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Leaving the dining room, I slip into the butler’s pantry, grabbing an open bottle of wine before hurrying to my room. Once I’m safely inside, I uncork the bottle and take a sip. Grandmama and Mother would flip out if they saw me drinking like this. I air toast them before taking another sip. Padding to my closet, I reach into my purse digging out a pill. Tossing it back, I chase it with wine. After a few sips, I’m already feeling dizzy, likely because I have had little to eat today. I set the bottle on my nightstand and climb onto the bed, laying on my side.
My eyes flutter shut as I get lost in my thoughts. I need to find a way to get out of this house. My mind drifts to Odin. The heat in his eyes last night was so intense. I just don’t get how you can look at someone like that, but not want to sleep with them. I know he was turned on. I felt the proof pressing against me. What would he have done if I had gone down on him? The thought sends heat through my body. I have half a mind to pull out my vibrator, but I’m so sleepy.
I’m almost asleep when a deep voice says, “Scoot over, baby girl.”
“What are you doing here?”
My words slur a bit, and I know it’s not just from sleep. Maybe mixing the wine and pills was a bad idea. Odin doesn’t answer and climbs onto the bed next to me. Tonight, he smells a bit like cigar smoke. I roll over so I’m facing him and inhale deeply.
“You smell good.”
He pulls me so my head is resting against his chest and says, “You do, too.”
“It’s wisteria and jasmine. My two favorite scents,” I answer, though I don’t think he cares.
Yawning, I snuggle closer to him, closing my eyes. One more night isn’t going to hurt. Right?
* * *
Odin
I’ve lost my fucking mind. That’s the only thing that explains why I’ve snuck into Anna’s bed for the second fucking night in a row. Not only that, but I’m holding her while she sleeps. I’ve never done this with my previous lovers. No, I’d fuck ‘em and leave ‘em. The irony that we haven’t even fucked yet isn’t lost on me.
Anna snuggles closer, murmuring in her sleep, saying something about her piece of shit cousin, Freja. I wonder if she knows she talks in her sleep? Looking at the ceiling, I wonder again why I’m here. Yeah, getting the text from her was a surprise, but I could have left it alone once I realized she thought she was talking to Hans.
Dark thoughts cross my mind. That’s not true. As soon as I realized that she meant the messages for Hans, I knew I wasn’t going to stop until she was mine. Because that’s how the Vilulfs have always done things. We cheat and steal, taking whatever we can from each other just so we can say we won. And I’m going to win. Fucking Hans doesn’t even know Anna exists. Besides, this is going to be fun in a different way.
Elsa and her family have been on top for too long, and I’m going to be the one to bring down their entire empire. Marrying Selma is a huge part of my plan, but bringing the pride and joy of Elsa to shame is a close second. I glance at the sleeping woman in my arms. When I’m done with Anna, she’ll wish she was dead, and that will just be the beginning.
6
Anna
Odin is gone when I wake up. Again. My head pounds as I shower and dress for the day. I wonder if Mother will let me go shopping if I ask. It’s worth a shot. Making sure I’m presentable, I leave my room, searching for her. She’s in the parlor on the first floor, flipping through a wedding magazine.
I tap on the French door, smiling as I enter.
“Good morning, Mother.”
She sighs as if I’ve aggravated her. “Aren’t you supposed to be in your room?”
“I was hoping we could go shopping today. For the wedding.”
“I’m busy. Odin is coming over and we’re going to look for furniture for the new house.”
My chest is tight at the mention of Odin.
“Would it be okay if I were to go to the library? Or maybe the Met?”
“Anna, you can see that I’m busy.” She shakes the magazine in her hand. “Go to your room.”
“But I—”
I have her full attention now and shrink back as she stands.
“Do you honestly think I want you helping me with this wedding? If I had it my way, you’d be somewhere in Europe where I don’t have to see what a disappointment you are.” Her gaze moves down my body slowly. “You’re fat. You’re ugly. You’re uneducated. You constantly embarrass the family each and every time you’re seen in public.”
She moves closer until she’s right in front of me.
